A few days ago, while scrolling through Instagram reels, I stumbled upon a mesmerizing video of Munnar, Kerala – lush green tea gardens wrapped in mist, waterfalls gushing down the hills, and clouds kissing the mountains. It was magnificent, and for a moment, I thought, “Wow! This is a must-visit place for my next vacation, especially during the monsoon!”

But as I started researching more on Google -about places to visit, where to stay, and what to do – I diverted upon another side of the story that no travel reel tells you. The Western Ghats, including Munnar, are in danger. The very beauty that attracts thousands of visitors every year is now under threat from the rising tide of tourism itself.

From plastic waste littered along trekking trails, illegal construction of resorts, to polluted rivers and disturbed wildlife, I realized that what we often call eco-tourism is sometimes doing more harm than good.

This led me to a bigger question:
“How can eco-tourism in the Western Ghats be truly sustainable – protecting nature while letting us experience its beauty?”

In this story, let’s explore the issue, examining what makes the Western Ghats so special, what’s threatening them, and what we as travelers can do to make a difference.

Why the Western Ghats Are So Special?

The Western Ghats, running parallel to India’s western coast for 1,600 km, stretch from Gujarat to Kerala, covering six states – Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 2012, 39 sites of the Western Ghats were designated as World Heritage Sites for their incredible biodiversity.
• Biological Hotspot: Home to more than 7,400 species of plants and animals, out of which over 1,500 species are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth.
• Source of Life: The Ghats are the origin of major rivers like Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, supplying water to millions.
• Climate Regulator: It plays a crucial role in controlling monsoon patterns, stabilizing climate, and preventing floods and droughts.

Thus, Western Ghats are not just a scenic place for vacations but a vital lifeline for South India.

Tourism Boom and the Emerging Threats

As travelers seek to escape city life, the untouched beauty of the Western Ghats has made it a favorite destination for nature tourism, trekking, bird-watching, and camping. But unregulated tourism has started taking a toll:

1. Plastic Pollution and Waste

Tourists often leave behind plastic bottles, chips packets, and waste, especially along trekking routes like Agasthyarkoodam (Kerala), Mullayanagiri (Karnataka), and Kodachadri Hills.

• A 2021 study published in Current Science revealed up to 60% of the waste collected in popular trekking destinations of the Ghats was plastic.

2. Illegal Resorts and Construction

To accommodate tourists, hotels, and resorts are being built without environmental clearance, cutting down forests, blocking wildlife corridors.

• In Munnar, over 400 illegal constructions were identified in the eco-sensitive zone as per a Kerala High Court order (2018).

3. Disturbed Wildlife

Frequent human activity and noise disturb natural habitats of endangered species like Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, and Malabar Civet. Night tourism and jeep safaris near protected zones worsen the problem.

4. Water Crisis and Pollution

Luxury resorts use excessive water, leading to shortages for locals. Additionally, untreated sewage and waste from these resorts enter streams and rivers.

The Myth of Eco-Tourism: Where Are We Going Wrong?

While the term eco-tourism suggests nature-friendly and community-beneficial travel, in reality, it often becomes mass tourism in disguise.

Issues with Current Eco-Tourism Practices:

1. No cap on tourist numbers even in sensitive areas.
2. Lack of eco-friendly infrastructure (like waste management systems).
3. No involvement of local communities, depriving them of direct economic benefits.
4. Green-washing by resorts, falsely claiming to be eco-friendly without sustainable practices.

Example:

In Coorg (Karnataka), though called an eco-tourism hotspot, sewage discharge from homestays has been polluting the Cauvery River, which originates here.

Health and Ecological Impact: More Than Just a Dirty Place

The consequences of unsustainable tourism are not limited to dirty surroundings -it affects public health and ecosystems.

1. Diseases and Health Crisis

Contaminated water in the rivers and streams due to waste dumping leads to waterborne diseases.

Examples:

• Elephantiasis and cholera outbreaks in parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, due to stagnant polluted water bodies.
• Dysentery and typhoid cases have risen in tourist-heavy districts like Idukki (Kerala) and Chikmagalur (Karnataka) during peak seasons.
• A study by NIHFW (2022) reported over 12% increase in gastrointestinal diseases in eco-tourist spots of Western Ghats during monsoon when pollution is washed into rivers.

2. Biodiversity Loss

• Disturbance to species like Nilgiri Langur and Malabar Grey Hornbill, both endangered, as tourism fragments their habitat.
• Extinction risk for endemic amphibians and plants, unique to the Ghats.

Can We Still Save the Western Ghats? 

Despite these challenges, solutions exist if all stakeholders act responsibly – from government to tourists.

1. Responsible Tourism Policies

• Implement carrying capacity limits in eco-sensitive zones.
• Ban plastic use and enforce strict penalties for littering -like Sikkim’s plastic-free eco-tourism zones.
• Mandatory eco-certification for hotels and homestays, based on waste and water management.

2. Community-Based Tourism (CBT)

• Involve local communities directly as guides, homestay operators, and craft sellers.
• Case Study:
  • Thenmala, Kerala -India’s first planned eco-tourism destination where locals manage trekking, boating, and cultural programs.
  • Locals here benefit economically while promoting conservation.

3. Eco-friendly Infrastructure

• Solar-powered resorts, biodegradable toilets, rainwater harvesting, and zero-waste cafes.
• Example: Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (Karnataka) uses solar energy and zero plastic policy.

4. Awareness and Regulation

• Educate tourists with campaigns on dos and don’ts in eco-sensitive areas.
• Real-time monitoring of tourist numbers using digital passes and sensors.

What India Can Learn from Global Eco-Tourism Models?

1. Costa Rica’s Eco-Tourism Model

• National Parks contribute to tourism but limit entry numbers.
• Strict eco-lodges, rainwater harvesting, and community-run experiences.
• Eco-tourism adds $4 billion annually without harming the rainforests.

2. Bhutan’s High-Value, Low-Impact Tourism

• Mandatory minimum daily tariff that includes eco-fees and local guide charges -limits overcrowding and ensures quality tourism.

What Can We Do as Travelers?

• Choose certified eco-stays and avoid big resorts in sensitive zones.
• Say NO to plastic, carry refillable water bottles.
• Respect wildlife -no loud music, no feeding animals.
• Support local businesses -buy local crafts, eat local food.

As I reflect on that dreamy reel of Munnar, I realize that the beauty we admire today may not exist tomorrow if we don’t act responsibly. The Western Ghats are more than just a travel destination – they are India’s ecological backbone, home to thousands of lives dependent on them.

If eco-tourism is done right, it has the power to protect, preserve, and uplift communities. But if it continues unchecked, it can destroy what we hold dear.

The choice is ours – to be part of the problem or the solution. So, the next time we plan that monsoon vacation to the Ghats, let’s remember: Are we traveling responsibly or just taking from nature without giving back?